Whinyard Rocks: A Regenerative Vineyard Crafting Natural Wines in the Welsh Borders
Whinyard Rocks: regenerative viticulture and natural wines in the wild Welsh Borders
Whinyard Rocks is one of the most quietly remarkable small wineries in the United Kingdom. Tucked into the Radnor Forest in New Radnor, Powys, on the Mid-Wales border with Herefordshire, it is a family-run, low-intervention vineyard producing expressive natural wines that taste unmistakably of the landscape that gave them life. Across 3 acres of free-draining loam, 6,100 vines are tended by hand using regenerative viticulture, and the results can be tasted, poured and stayed alongside at the vineyard's adjoining Highbrook Cottage.
Run by Susan and James Kinsey-Jones, the project blends Welsh farming heritage, science-led regenerative practice and a genuinely lo-fi approach in the winery. There are no synthetic chemicals in the vineyard, no additions in the bottle and no disgorgement in some of the more adventurous cuvées. The wines - Still Red, Col Rondo, Pet Nat and Bubbly Bubbly - are unfiltered, unfined and fermented with indigenous wild yeast. They are made in collaboration with organic winemaker Mark Smith at Black Mountain Vineyard in Vowchurch, Herefordshire.
What makes Whinyard Rocks stand out is not only the quality of the bottles, but the breadth of what visitors can do once they arrive. You can stay overnight at Highbrook Cottage, wander the rows under the buzzards and red kites, take a private group tour and tasting, or turn up on one of the free summer Vineyard Open Days with food, music and views across the Radnor Valley.
From a sheep farm to a vineyard: the story of Whinyard Rocks
Whinyard Rocks takes its name from a distinctive upland rocky outcrop of exposed late-Silurian rock that towers at 600 metres above the farm. The dramatic, sheep-dotted ridgeline opposite the whimsically bulbous Whimble Hill was, in effect, the brand waiting to be invented: Whimble Hill and the Whinyard Rocks overlook the vineyard and lie in the unique habitat of the Radnor Forest, inspiring the couple every day.
The land itself has been in James's family for more than a century. His great-grandfather bought the sheep farm in 1913 in his homeland of the Mid-Wales borders, and the 550-acre fourth-generation farm has been continuously worked ever since. Fast forward a hundred years, and James and Susan were living south of the river in London - James as a scientist and Susan working at a sustainable food and drink startup. "One grey day", as they tell it, James had the wild idea of planting vines back at home on the farm.
Inspired by travels through the wine regions of California, Sicily, New Zealand and Australia, the pair came home in 2017 and, together with friends, planted their first half acre. After a year of long-distance commuting they escaped the city for good to tend the low-intervention vineyard. 2020 brought their first grape harvest, and the same year they renovated the family's fairytale Highbrook Cottage for guests. In 2023 Susan added cut-flower growing to the mix. Today the pair regeneratively grow and look after 6,100 vines, alongside their sheep, ducks, pheasants and wildlife.
As Susan puts it, the project is "the wild idea of the next generation to create a sustainable future." Their regenerative approach to making natural wine, paired with a restful stay in the breathtaking setting of James's rural home, is offered as a small dose of joy and happiness in the wild Welsh borders.
Where is Whinyard Rocks?
The vineyard sits on the B4372 between New Radnor and Kinnerton, just off the A44, in the historic Walton Basin - also known as the Radnor Valley - in the Welsh Marches on the border of England and Wales. The address is:
Highbrook Cottage, Whinyard Rocks, New Radnor, Powys, LD8 2TG, Wales
The vineyard is within easy reach of Hay-on-Wye, Kington, Presteigne, Ludlow, Hereford and the Malvern Hills, making it an ideal stop during a day exploring the area. On Google Maps, search for the vineyard under 'Whinyard Rocks'; the what3words reference for parking is ///nicely.cloth.racked, and the what3words reference for the cottage is ///jeep.widen.defender.
The closest mainline railway station is at Hereford, which has direct trains from London, and the best way to reach the vineyard and cottage is by car. There is free on-site parking, plus a Pod Point EV charger for guests staying at Highbrook Cottage. Six more EV charging points sit within easy reach, including Hereford Street Car Park in Presteigne (four 22 kW chargers, 11 minutes' drive) and Mill Street Car Park in Kington (two 7 kW chargers, 13 minutes' drive).
Vineyard stats at a glance
- First planted: 2017
- Number of vines: 6,100
- Acres under vine: 3
- Soil type: Free-draining loam
- Elevation: 236 m / 774 ft above sea level
- Location: New Radnor, Powys, Wales
- Grape varieties: Nine - Solaris, Phoenix, Muscaris, Ortega, Bacchus, Rondo, Regent, Cabaret Noir and Pinot Noir Précoce
Regenerative viticulture: how the vineyard is farmed
From the beginning, Whinyard Rocks has chosen to grow its grapes using regenerative viticulture - an approach rooted in care for the soil, the wider ecosystem and the long-term health of the vineyard. The phrase the team reach for most often is that regenerative farming "isn't a label or a trend. It's a long-term commitment to healthier soils, greater biodiversity and wines that reflect this beautiful untapped corner of Wales."
Soil health comes first
Healthy vines start with living soil. The vineyard does not till, because disturbing the soil harms its structure and the microbial life that supports plant health. Permanent and seasonal cover crops keep living roots in the ground, improve soil structure and prevent erosion. Composting plays a key role, including compost teas and a Johnson - Su composting bioreactor designed to foster abundant fungal and microbial life. Organic mulches retain moisture, protect the soil surface and gently feed the vineyard.
Biodiversity above and below ground
A healthy vineyard is a diverse one, not a monoculture. Biodiversity is encouraged in the soil, between the rows and around the vineyard edges through mixed-species cover crops, wildflower strips, hedgerows and trees. This diversity supports beneficial insects and microbial life, helping the vineyard to be naturally resilient year after year.
Farming without synthetic chemicals
The team do not use synthetic chemical fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides. Where treatments are needed, organic-approved sprays are used only, and weeds are managed manually rather than sprayed out. Animals are an integral part of the system, acting as both natural weed control and fertilisation, closing the nutrient loop in a gentle, holistic way. Sheep have been carefully reintroduced to graze the alleys - an experience the team describe as "a bit burned" after one memorable summer stripped their vines to toothpicks.
Grape varieties
The vineyard is home to nine grape varieties across 6,100 vines, selected specifically for early ripening and for distinctive flavour profiles ranging from refreshing hedgerow fruits to ripe peaches and passionfruit. Diversity was a deliberate response to being at the limit of UK viticulture, where altitude and Welsh weather make every vintage an adventure.
White varieties
- Solaris - a hybrid bred for cool climates; the backbone of the Pet Nat.
- Phoenix - a hybrid that gives the white base for Bubbly Bubbly's traditional-method fizz.
- Muscaris - a hybrid with intense floral and aromatic character.
- Ortega - a non-hybrid German variety that contributes structure and stone-fruit notes to the Pet Nat.
- Bacchus - a non-hybrid aromatic white widely planted across southern England.
Red varieties
- Rondo - a hybrid, plum-skin thick and full of hedgerow character; the sole grape behind Col Rondo.
- Regent - a hybrid selected for its tolerance of cool Welsh summers; the sole grape behind Still Red.
- Cabaret Noir - a recent red addition planted in spring 2024.
- Pinot Noir Précoce - an early-ripening Pinot selected in spring 2024 for the cool Welsh climate.
The wines
Whinyard Rocks makes four wines, all fermented with indigenous wild yeast, all unfiltered and unfined, all vegan, and all made in collaboration with Mark Smith at Black Mountain Vineyard and Winery. Three are £25.00 per bottle and the traditional-method sparkling is £35.00 per bottle. Each bottle ships at a flat rate of £8.25 across Wales, England and Scotland (collection from the farm is free).
Still Red - £25.00
A still red made with 100% Regent: "a cherry-tinged gambol of crushed blackcurrants, delicate peppered spice and a tickle of vanilla." Deep red in colour, light to medium bodied, aged in 70% light-toast oak. Serve at room temperature (15 - 17°C), drink now to two years. Pairs with mushrooms on toast and Sunday roasts. 9.5% vol., 750 ml, NV, vegan.
Col Rondo 2023 - £25.00
A sparkling red made in the Italian Col Fondo 'ancestral method' with 100% Rondo grapes: "stacked with the aromas of a crumpled bramble bush after a barn dance." Refreshingly crisp and fruity with freshly picked blackberries on the nose and palate, re-fermented in the bottle without disgorgement and naturally ridiculously purple in colour. Tamlyn Currin of jancisrobinson.com described it as "elderberry and black-olive bitter on the edges around a blackberry secret steal of chin-stained fruit. Fabulous! One of the most delicious sparkling reds I've ever tasted." 10% vol., 750 ml, 2023 vintage, vegan. Order Col Rondo.
Pet Nat - £25.00
A naturally lightly sparkling (pétillant naturel) wine made with 90% Solaris and 10% Ortega: "rolling waves of bowls of ripe peaches on the nose, gliding into a gently savoury gambol of stone fruit." Amber in colour, thanks to nine leisurely days of skin contact for the Solaris and four for the Ortega. Pairs with green Nocellara olives, salted Marcona almonds and Welsh lamb chops grilled over hot coals. Crowded The Independent's IndyBest Best Pet Nat. 10.5% vol., 750 ml, 2023 vintage, vegan. Order Pet Nat.
Bubbly Bubbly 2022 - £35.00
A traditional champagne-method sparkling wine made with 100% Phoenix grapes: "an electric zing of freshly cut elderflower meets a ripple of tropical fruit seamlessly swathed in bubbles." Only 50 bottles produced, inspired by the dazzling cascade of the local Water-Break-Its-Neck waterfall. Bright, unabashed and exhilarating. Serve chilled at 8°C as an aperitif with bruschetta and loved ones. 11% vol., 750 ml, 2022 vintage, vegan. Order Bubbly Bubbly.
More wines are promised soon. Signing up to the vineyard's newsletter is the best way to be the first to know when new releases drop.
How the wines are made
Mark Smith's approach at Black Mountain Vineyard is proudly lo-fi: wood, metal and time are his tools, and the grapes are left to do the talking. The result is excitingly pure, finely tuned natural wines that the team describe as "teeming with life, character and terroir." Nothing is added beyond grapes, nothing is taken away by filtration or fining, and the indigenous wild yeast that begins fermentation in the vineyard finishes the job in tank and bottle. It is regenerative winemaking as much as it is regenerative viticulture - restoring soil health, stimulating microbial life and building plant immunity from the ground up.
Stay at Highbrook Cottage
Highbrook Cottage is a former farm worker's 16th-century cottage transformed into a peaceful escape on the family's 550-acre sheep farm. Tucked away among woods and rolling hills, it is a quiet place to slow down for a truly restorative break: filled with soft light, warmth and comfort, with the outside world gently fading away.
The cottage
- Sleeps up to 4 guests across 2 bedrooms plus 1 baby (one king-size and one double upstairs, bathroom downstairs with shower over the tub).
- Rates from £130 per night, from £675 per week and from £375 per short break.
- Between January and Easter, 2-night minimum stays with flexible arrival days.
- After Easter: 7-night (Friday - Friday), 4-night midweek (Monday - Friday) and 3-night weekend (Friday - Monday) breaks.
- Check-in after 3pm, check-out at 10am.
- Free Wi-Fi, log burner with responsibly sourced logs and kindling, Roberts radio, Sony Bluetooth speaker, TV and DVD player, telephone, binoculars, hot-water bottles and blankets for stargazing, charcoal barbecue, little library of books, and eco toiletries and cleaning products from local supplier Splosh.
- On arrival: fresh homemade Welsh cakes, eggs from next door, and a bottle of something lovely and local.
- A Pod Point EV charger at the cottage to use during your stay.
Cancellation and pets
Cancellation refunds depend on how far ahead you cancel - full refunds are available 9 weeks before arrival. Children are very welcome (a travel cot is provided, with a high chair available on request). Pets are not accommodated.
Things to know before you go
The property is accessed via its own private lane and has parking for 4 cars. The kitchen has an electric hob and oven, microwave, kettle and toaster. Stairs are narrow and fairly steep. Wellies or boots are recommended for the local walks. A brook runs along the front of the property - young children must be supervised in the garden. Extra sustainably sourced logs gathered from fallen trees on the farm are available at £8 per bag.
Add wine to your stay
Order ahead from the Whinyard Rocks shop, select the 'Whinyard Rocks' Pick Up location, and your bottles will be waiting in the cottage when you arrive.
Tours and tastings
Whinyard Rocks welcomes private groups of 10 to 14 people for a relaxed vineyard tour and guided tasting. The tour covers the approach to growing and making the wines, followed by a tasting of the range. It lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and costs £15 per person. Smaller groups are welcome - with a little advance notice the team can usually advertise the remaining places and invite other guests to join.
Private tours are ideal for gatherings, celebrations or a day out with friends. To enquire, email hello@whinyardrocks.com or call 01544 206 232.
Vineyard Open Days 2026
Every summer Whinyard Rocks throws open the gates for a series of free, family-friendly Vineyard Open Days. In 2026 the vineyard will be open on the first Saturdays of July, August and September, 12pm - 6pm. There is free parking, free entry, indoor and outdoor seating, a self-guided audio vineyard tour, guided wine tastings, the cellar-door shop, and a fully stocked bar with local beer, cider and soft drinks. Dogs on leads are welcome, and children are very welcome too (alcohol is only served to over-18s).
The 2026 food line-up is:
- Saturday 4 July 2026 - artisan stuffed pittas from The Street Food Collective
- Saturday 1 August 2026 - authentic Greek street food from Greek Mr. Gryo
- Saturday 5 September 2026 - fresh Japanese soul food from Miniyaki's Japanese Soul Food
Tickets are free but booking helps the team plan the day. Reserve a free ticket via Eventbrite.
Exploring the Welsh Borders from Whinyard Rocks
Whinyard Rocks' location in the foothills of the Radnor Forest makes for a restorative base from which to explore Mid-Wales. The team's hand-picked highlights include:
Top 5 things to do nearby
- Dip your toes in a waterfall. Follow the trails through Warren Woods or park nearby to reach the spectacular Water-Break-Its-Neck waterfall - an easy, accessible 1-hour walk.
- Hike up Whimble Hill. Make it to the 598.8 m summit of this oddly shaped hill on the farm for wondrous views across the Radnor Valley, taking in the Black Mountains and stretching all the way to the Malvern Hills.
- Have a pint at The Harp. Country Pub of the Year 2020 and Best Pub in Powys 2021. Expect excellent seasonal food, local ales, a cosy open fire and an unparalleled view across the Radnor Valley at The Harp Inn in Old Radnor.
- Pop in to Presteigne. A cultural hub and host of both the Sheep Music and Festival of Music and Arts festivals. Browse independent shops and antiques, then visit the Judge's Lodging Museum before sourdough pizza at Daphne's.
- See the world's largest owl. Small Breeds Farm Park in Kington is a sanctuary and home to an incredible array of miniature rare breeds of animals and owls.
Top 5 day trips
- Brecon Beacons / Bannau Brycheiniog. Venture up South Wales' highest mountain Pen y Fan or breathe in the serene cascading hills of the Black Mountains.
- Elan Valley. A series of Victorian dams with over 80 miles of designated rights of way; an International Dark Sky Park.
- Hay-on-Wye. The world-famous 'book capital of the world' and home to the Hay Festival. Independent bookshops, ice cream at Shepherds and a wild swim at The Warren.
- Ludlow. Enchanting medieval market town and a foodie's haven, with an independent butcher, baker, brilliant deli, CSONS cafe and a 40-stall open-air market on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
- Leominster. Stuffed with over 120 antiques dealers and a string of 10 picture-postcard villages along the 40-mile 'Black and White Trail'.
Festivals and events in the Welsh Borders
The Welsh Borders are exceptionally well stocked with festivals. Whinyard Rocks' round-up includes the legendary Hay Festival in Hay-on-Wye, How The Light Gets In at the river Wye in Hay, the Presteigne Festival of contemporary classical music, Ludlow Food Festival, the Kington Summer Food Festival, Abergavenny Food Festival, Ralph's Cider & Vintage Car Rally, Brecon Beacons Food Festival, Sheep Music, Green Man Festival, Lakefest, Kington Walking Festival, Talgarth Walking Festival, Hergest Croft Gardens, the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show and the Kington Show.
Gift vouchers
Two gift vouchers are available from the shop, both redeemable against a stay at Highbrook Cottage:
- Digital Gift Voucher - from £50.00, available in denominations of £50, £100, £150, £200 or £250. Sent by email immediately after purchase.
- Gift Voucher (physical) - from £50.00, with values up to £300 or a 3-night weekend stay (off-peak £375, mid-season £445, peak £595). Sent to the delivery address provided at checkout (£2.95 delivery per voucher).
Vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, must be redeemed in full against a single booking, and are non-refundable.
Practical information: visiting and ordering
Opening times
The vineyard itself is open to visitors on the free Vineyard Open Days - the first Saturdays of July, August and September, 12pm - 6pm. At other times the best way to experience the property is to stay at Highbrook Cottage.
Ordering wine
All four wines are available from the Whinyard Rocks shop. Delivery is a flat rate of £8.25 per order to addresses in Wales, England and Scotland (no delivery to Northern Ireland or PO boxes). Collection from the farm at New Radnor is free - simply select the 'Whinyard Rocks' Pick Up location at checkout and the team will be in touch to arrange a collection, or place your bottles in the cottage ahead of arrival. Orders are dispatched twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays via Parcelforce Express 48.
Contact
- Email: hello@whinyardrocks.com
- Telephone: 01544 206 232
- Address: Highbrook Cottage, Whinyard Rocks, New Radnor, Powys, LD8 2TG, Wales
- Instagram: @whinyardrocks
- Facebook: /whinyardrocks
Whinyard Rocks Ltd (Company Number 13863351) is a small family business run by Susan and James. Their wines, vineyard, cottage and open days form a single, coherent vision of regenerative land use in the wild Welsh Borders - one that any visitor to New Radnor would do well to experience first-hand.